Welcome to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department's webpage addressing pandemic flu. Pandemic flu, which is a new strain of flu easily transmitted from person to person, is a much bigger concern. Health experts and scientists warn us that it's only a matter of time before we have another pandemic flu.

If a pandemic were to occur it would have a worldwide impact-all nations and many communities should expect outbreaks within a short period of time and the flu activity might last for a year. Therefore, as Secretary Mike Leavitt of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated in Lincoln on February 23rd: "Any community that assumes the federal government will be able to rush in and come to the rescue will be tragically disappointed." What clearer message could we get that a local plan and developing local response capability are the keys to preparation for a possible pandemic.

To prepare, the Health Department has been collaborating with agencies and programs within the community, and those outside the city, whose actions are needed to lessen the adverse effects should a pandemic flu outbreak occur. There is no pandemic flu at the moment, but we need to prepare and exercise plans to be better prepared should it happen.

Please feel free to contact us with questions, or to share information. Our contact information is as follows: (402) 441-6246 or e-mail us at mhosking@lincoln.ne.gov.